E-cigarettes are a new invention that created a unique culture with a language of its own. I did some research and found information that I think will be helpful to anyone interested in e-cigarettes. Now let’s look at the language of e-cigarettes and e-smoking, starting with the most common words and expressions:

e-cigarette (also electronic cigarette or e-cig) noun: an electronic device converts special liquid (e-liquid) into water vapor that looks like a conventional cigarette

e-smoking noun: the activity of smoking e-cigarettes or other similar devices like the electronic cigar

e-smoker noun: someone who smokes e-cigarettes or electronic cigar

conventional cigarette (also regular cigarette or traditional cigarette) noun: is a cigarette made of finely cut tobacco leaves and wrapped into paper

conventional smoking noun: the activity of smoking conventional cigarettes

e-liquid (also e-juice or smoke juice) noun: the special liquid mixture that is converted into vapor and used with e-cigarettes or electronic cigars

mouthpiece noun: the part of the e-cigarette that you put in your mouth to smoke;  most people consider this part the cartridge but the word is necessary because the actual cartridge (polyester batting stuffed in a mini tube)  is inside the mouthpiece

e-cigarette starter kit noun:  the basic equipment that comes with a new e-cigarette device, which usually includes 1 atomizer, 2 batteries, 1 charger, and 5 cartridges filled with e-liquid

throat hit noun: the sensation an e-smoker feels at the back of the throat-usually the stronger this sensation, the better because the experience becomes closer to conventional smoking

vape (synonym: to smoke) verb: to smoke e-cigarettes or electronic cigars

vaping (synonym: e-smoking) noun: the activity of smoking e-cigarettes or electronic cigars

fogger noun: an e-cigarette or electronic cigar

hot cigarette (synonym: conventional cigarette) noun: cigarettes made of finely cut tobacco leaves and wrapped into paper

hot smoking (synonym: conventional smoking) noun: the activity of smoking hot cigarettes

analog (or analogue) noun: a conventional cigarette made of paper and tobacco leaves.

This is the current vocabulary of e-cigarettes, which will change with time. I don’t think that word e-cig will survive–I just can’t see people using it in a face-to-face conversation.

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